J May Photo http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog J May Photography Weddings and Seniors Fri, 04 May 2012 18:52:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Emma :: Senior Pics 2012 http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/emma-senior-pics-2012/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/emma-senior-pics-2012/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 18:49:53 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1325 Hello world, hope you’re watching!  Meet Emma.  Star of the day :)

Emma and her mom and I started pics at the Art Six Coffee House in Denton.  Emma loves to read and spends a lot of time here.  I love this little house.  Then we headed out to the Denton Square for more pics.  The Denton Square is so fun too!  You can find so much texture and color there!  Hope you enjoy! Jen

Wind, light, color, boca, 50mm, 1.4, ISO 100, 1/400th, sparkle in her eye from something behind me + Fabulous Emma to photograph = Perfection. Favorite type of photography. :)
Favorite things: read. read. read. ;) Emma pulled out this red hat and well… just look at it!  It’s perfect!  She is perfect in it!

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/emma-senior-pics-2012/feed/ 2 Because I should… http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/because-i-should/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/because-i-should/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 18:53:27 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1311 Because I have to…  Because I should… Because they are making me…  Making me take pictures… of me. My friends are always asking me, “Jen, when are you going to put more pics of you on your site?”  My reply, “hummm, tonight or soon or yes, tomorrow!”  Ever been camera shy and or you get your pictures back and somehow they never make it into a frame on the wall or on the blog or on your site??  This is me.  I LOVE the camera.  I LOVE being behind the camera.  I FREEZE in front of the camera.  I don’t freeze in any other situation, just when the camera is right in my face.  Pointing at me.  A good friend of mine, Ambyr, took my pictures in late 2010. Yes, 2010. It’s now 2012, only May, but 2012.  And, I’ve cut my hair. :(  This post is so I can see my hair – when it was long. ;)  Just kidding.

Actually, I’ve been wanting to put up more pics of me so you know who I am.  I attended a marketing campaign for entrepreneurs – of which I am and learned more about showing face online.  My talents are behind the camera and in photoshop.  When it comes to Facebook and blogging, I get side-tracked so easily.  Even now, I am sitting here, with plenty to say, but wondering if I should go get a snack, run to the bathroom, think about what to make for dinner, text my husband, and checking the clock cause it’s almost time for me to head out the door to a bridal session at The Milestone in Denton.  Actually, I just thought it would be funny if I could fit any more commas in that sentence.  See!  Side-tracked!  Haha!  I’ll keep posting more of me during my shoots and other events.  One of the responsibilities of my 2nd photographer is to photograph me working too.  He does a great job and I have much more to show.  Those pics can also come with instruction as I will explain what we are doing, what settings I am on and any elements, like lighting, bounce or background we have pulled into the shot.  For now, I gotta run.  Enjoy! Jen

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/because-i-should/feed/ 0 Welcome Violet & Max!! http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/welcome-violet-max/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/welcome-violet-max/#comments Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:32:32 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1291 Welcome Max to my dear friends Jeremy and Emily whom we’ve known for about 13 years.  When Todd and I were first married, we lived in the same apartment complex as Jeremy and Emily.  My husband Todd and Jeremy grew up together.  I remember seeing Emily for the first time.  Do you ever just know that two people are to be together? Jeremy had invited us over for something and we met Emily.  Todd and I went home talking about how perfect she was!  13 years later they are welcoming not one, but two new little bundles to their family!  Jeremy and Emily, we love you guys so much and are overwhelmed with joy with your little family!!  Enjoy! JenWelcome Violet!  She was sooo tiny!  It’s hard to remember my kiddos being her size – well, my kids were never that small.  My smallest was 7.1 lbs.  If I remember, Violet was in the upper 4′s.  Just a tiny little bean :) Big sister Molly giving some love…Violet’s time to pose…Molly wanted to take the twins outside and take a pic next to her playhouse.  She has two new dolls to play with.  Live ones! ;) I had to do a few pics for little Molly!  She was running around the back yard with her polka-dot umbrellas laughing and playing.  Look at her profile on this pic!  Oh, to be 5 again ;)

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/welcome-violet-max/feed/ 0 Brandi & Todd :: Engaged!! http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/brandi-todd-engaged/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/brandi-todd-engaged/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:08:14 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1274 Introducing Brandi and Todd!  We had so much fun at their engagement session down in the turtle creek area!  Hope you enjoy! Jen

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/brandi-todd-engaged/feed/ 0 Shannon :: Bridal Pics at Hotel Zaza http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/shannon-bridal-pics-at-hotel-zaza/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/shannon-bridal-pics-at-hotel-zaza/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:52:31 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1249 Meet Shannon!  Meet Shannon and her stunning bridal pics.  Meet Shannon, my new favorite person to photograph ;)  Shannon got married at Hotel Zaza and wanted to do her bridal pics there too.  Many thanks to Zaza as they gave us a room key to their stunning suites and allowed us to roam around the hotel and art gallery.  Shannon told me before the shoot…,”Jen, I only want a few ‘traditional’ poses and pictures.  Everything else, just be super artistic!”.  I’ve died and gone to photo heaven :)  I used to work in a fashion studio as a stylist/ designer.  Sometimes we had shoots that we were able to just be creative and artistic with.   They are almost harder when you have SOOO many ideas and creative thoughts and no one to tame them down.  There just wasn’t time enough to shoot all day!

Shannon used to dance for the LA Clippers and wasn’t shy in front of the camera.  We had so much fun roaming around scanning for photo opportunities.  Hope you enjoy!The displays were tapestries and stunning to say the least.  This one was Shannon’s favorite.  So, she kicked off the fabulous Badgley Mischka’s and put on something a little light hearthearted.In the art gallery, there was a wall of white curtains.  Seriously?  Photo heaven!  I love to photograph a bride on white – not even sure why.  Everything just looks creamy and clean, smooth and vibrant!  I pulled a chair up to use the curtains as my backdrop.  She sat about 6 feet from the curtains so I could still see definition in the fabric.  The wall behind me was also white and was a perfect bounce.  No flash needed.  I also had a window behind me which gave me the little sparkle or ‘catch light’ that is so important in the eye!  Ahhhh, love :) Ever faithful bridesmaid!  Thanks for all your help!!

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/shannon-bridal-pics-at-hotel-zaza/feed/ 0 Save the Date :: Had to show this one off… http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/save-the-date-had-to-show-this-one-off/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/save-the-date-had-to-show-this-one-off/#comments Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:33:56 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1246 I’m in love with this Save-the-Date.  Wedding day is come and gone and I am so excited to start showing off all the pieces that went into their day!  Stand by for her amazing bridal portraits!  Enjoy ~ Jen

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/save-the-date-had-to-show-this-one-off/feed/ 0 Sarah :: Headshots http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/sarah-headshots/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/sarah-headshots/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:46:04 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1235 Meet Sarah: Actress. Dancer. Educated. Talented. Spiritual. Neighbor. Friend.  I met Sarah about 5 years ago.  She’s been away at college doing dance and theater and asked if I could do some headshot for her. After we discussed what she was looking for, we headed outside to a nearby location.  I used my 50 1.4 most of the time.  We wanted to make sure that she was the only recognizable subject in the photograph.  Then we came back and did a little studio work at my house.  I used a main light on her with a grey background sweep and a hairlight to give a little boost and bring her off the background.  I am totally a fan of both outdoor and indoor shots.  Outside light can produce beautiful creamy light and can give a healthy glow to your subject.  Inside or studio lighting is fun because you control the elements of light, which creates the look of the shot.

Sarah, you are absolutely beautiful in every way!  I loved this shoot. :)  Good luck with your future projects!!  Enjoy ~ Jen

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/sarah-headshots/feed/ 0 Kerri & Landon :: Married at Waddill Street Baptist Church/ McKinney Cotton Mill http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/kerri-landon-married-at-waddill-street-baptist-church-mckinney-cotton-mill/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/kerri-landon-married-at-waddill-street-baptist-church-mckinney-cotton-mill/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:54:19 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1201 Gotta love it when you start out your wedding day with some love on your feet from Badgley Mischka.  Follow that with a stunning Pronovias wedding gown and dress a girl like Kerri!  Kerri was more than radiant on her wedding day.  She and Landon got married in a little chapel in McKinney, Waddill Street Baptist Church with a heartfelt little ceremony and headed over the The McKinney Cotton Mill for their reception.  Kerri’s wedding was another one of those that I went home with my face hurting because we laughed and smiled so much!  Seriously, when was the last time you came home from work with your face hurting from laughter?  I used to work at a fashion/ advertising studio in Dallas and we had a blast at work.  But, not like this work.  I’ve had my business for about 5 years now and I am still in love with it!  Probably even more so, since I have experience and wedding wisdom under my belt ;)

Kerri wrote me a beautiful note after the wedding, which I have copied below.  She hadn’t even seen her pictures yet.  (Another beautiful note came after those)  I wanted to take the time to also write something about her…

Often times God will you us as his servant.  He will help you know where to be to lift someone’s day, boost their testimony of Christ, strengthen their commitment in life.  Kerri is one of these people.  A servant of the Lord.

Kerri, you have the biggest heart – and smile – and you radiate with love and laughter!  Your families, your friends, your faith are all beautifully connected together.  You are a shinning example of Christ and His message. Yea, I’m a little spiritual too – or maybe a lot ;)  I know you will continue to touch the hearts of those you meet – at work – at home – at church.  Thanks for letting me get to know your families and be a part of your most special day!  Much love! Jen

Hey Jen!

Just wanted to drop you a quick line and say thank you, thank you, thank you!!! FOR EVERYTHING! You’ll never know how much I appreciate you and your assistant.  I have been in so many weddings and can tell you right now, you are the best! From herding our families around for pictures to putting up with our crazy friends at the reception, you amazed me. :) SOOO many people have told me how much they enjoyed you being a part of our wedding! I’m gonna get a little spiritual real quick (haha). Jenifer, You can see God in your work and in your spirit. Your talent is so obvious and elite that only God could provide someone with such a gift.  It’s not easy to deal with an emotional, sweaty mess of a bride, but somehow you rock it all! I’ll stop being creepy now. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you.

I have decided to venture farther into the wedding world by becoming a wedding planner of some sorts (well, that’s the plan, we’ll see) so, hopefully in the future we will get to hang out again. Can’t wait to see our pictures!!! Judging from my bridals, I can only imagine how great they will be! (not bc of me, bc of you haha) Talk to you soon!

Kerri WEBB (so crazy!)

Landon – you look awesome!Look at Landon looking down at Kerri’s behind.  Hehe!  Captured it! ;) First dance.Landon has some mad skills with his newborn niece.  She was only about 3 weeks old.  He’s a natural. Good job Kerri!
I love how the wedding party can make the reception a total blast!  Not sure why he was dancing for me infront of the camera.  But… I thought it was hilarious! Kerri, me, and my assistant Tori – having a good time :) The night went very well ;)

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/kerri-landon-married-at-waddill-street-baptist-church-mckinney-cotton-mill/feed/ 0 Ebony :: Senior Pics http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/ebony-senior-pics/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/ebony-senior-pics/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:54:54 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1179 Okay, if I were 17 again… I would:

  • Learn how to do my hair like Ebony.
  • Ask Ebony to take me shopping.
  • Have Ebony teach me how to do my make-up.
  • And… probably stock her to learn her pose and glam.
  • Oh… and I would find me – the real Jen Mabray who is now 30 – something and have her take my senior pics!

Okay, not really to most of those things. ;)  When I was 17, I am not sure I knew really anything about how to present myself and never had senior pictures done.  Well, that’s kind of a lie.  I did have a senior picture done – at the school.  You remember those days.  Haha!  Ebony – you are perfect – in every way!  I loved taking your pics :)  Hope you enjoy them forever – cause that’s what photography will do.  Preserve memories forever.  Hope the rest of your senior year is incredibly memorable!  Stay radiant and true to yourself!  Enjoy~ JenThis tree behind Ebony is probably one of the scrappiest trees in the square, but for some reason it looks awesome in pictures!  I use my 70-200 usually around 180mm and allow the sun to peak through the top left of my lens.  The tree turns into beautiful creamy color and my subject is illuminated perfectly!The wind blew and Ebony held down her skirt… it made for a perfect shot with her facial expression! :)
We found this old Dr. Pepper machine – it was so cool!  By this time of night, the sun was going down and I needed some lighting.  Instead of dragging my lighting equipment out, I pushed my ISO high enough that I knew I would see grain.  In post processing I added a vintage color to the pics. I wanted the picture to have an aged look to it just like the Dr. Pepper machine.

]]> http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/ebony-senior-pics/feed/ 1 J May Photo :: The Knot Best of Weddings 2012! :: Again :) http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/j-may-photo-the-knot-best-of-weddings-2012-again/ http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/2012/j-may-photo-the-knot-best-of-weddings-2012-again/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:51:41 +0000 Jen http://www.jmayphoto.com/blog/?p=1170 “We are proud to announce that J May Photo has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick.”

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